You say you have four cats. Where did you get them?

I can’t resist adding a plug for shelters here. It’s sort of peripheral to loneliness (though maybe not), but I have to add that, if you do decide to get a pet, you should go through an animal rescue group or shelter.

All four of my cats are rescues. One was abandoned as a kitten when it’s owner went to prison (I’m not making this up). One was left at the humane society. One was rescued from a cat colony where the cats were sick and running wild. And the youngest one was literally scooped up off the side of the road (by me!). He was starving, covered in lice, and too weak to move. I had to take him.

Why is getting a cat or dog from a shelter/rescue group related to loneliness? Because that animal will be eternally grateful and will love you forever! Because you’ll get a boost in self-esteem for saving it. Because you’ll think back to the moment of rescue and think, ‘Darn it, I did something good that day.’ And all of these positive thoughts and feelings are a powerful response to the poor self-image loneliness can cue.